Dogs are wonderful friends, but there are situations when it is important to restrict their access to certain areas of the house or yard. In this article, we will explain how to protect your home from damage without losing your pet’s trust and affection.
Protection of Furniture and Personal Belongings
If your dog chews on the couch, steals socks, or digs through the closet, don’t worry. This problem is familiar to many pet owners and has a solution.
First of all, it is important to devote time to training and engaging your pet. This should start from an early age so that the dog learns basic commands, proper behavior, and trusts you and your decisions. Spend active time together: go for walks, play, provide mental challenges, and give them your full attention in these moments. This will minimize the risk of destructive behavior, including damage to belongings. Teach commands like “No,” “Leave it,” and “Place” to stop your dog when needed, and never scold them. Instead, redirect their attention to allowed chewing items and praise them for obedience. These can include special treats, puzzle toys, natural rubber chew toys, or processed wooden sticks.
When you are not around and cannot monitor your pet’s behavior, physical protection of furniture and belongings is just as important as training. This is especially relevant if the dog experiences anxiety, stress, or is going through teething.
For instance, if you are planning to buy a new sofa, choose durable materials that are harder to chew through and resistant to scratches and stains. A removable cover is a great option as it can be washed or replaced when needed. Additionally, consider furniture with metal legs.
Store shoes in a closed cabinet or on shelves that the dog cannot reach. Using shoe containers is also a good idea.
Keep electrical cords in cable channels or enclosed organizers. This will not only protect your belongings but also prevent your pet from getting electrocuted.
Remote controls and gadgets should be placed out of reach, such as on high shelves, in drawers, or in designated boxes.
Books, documents, and paper items should also be stored in closed cabinets or plastic folders.
Safe Storage of Trash
Trash may contain sharp objects, bones, spoiled food, or toxic substances that pose a threat to a dog’s health, so it is crucial to store it safely.
Dogs are natural explorers and hunters, and food is their primary need, which they try to satisfy in any possible way. The problem of scattered trash worsens if a pet finds something tasty in it once, remembers it, and keeps returning in search of new “delicacies.”
To prevent this, get a heavy metal trash can with a sturdy, well-secured lid that your pet cannot tip over, open with its paw, or push with its nose. The best options are models with a pedal mechanism, latch, or safety lock for extra security.
If you sort waste at home, use containers with tightly sealed lids. For example, bins with airtight covers or pull-out drawers that a dog cannot open.
Also, consider where to place the trash bin to make it inaccessible to pets. The simplest solution is to install it inside a kitchen cabinet under the sink. You can also add a magnetic or mechanical lock to the cabinet doors. If you have a pantry or utility room where you can restrict the dog’s access, store trash there.
Restricting Access to Dangerous Areas
The kitchen, bathroom, balcony, stairs, or even the children’s room can pose potential threats if your dog loves to run around everywhere. That’s why we have compiled a list of hazardous areas and tips on how to keep your pet safe.
In the kitchen, dangers include hot stoves, sharp knives, food waste, and toxic products for dogs. So, don’t leave food on open surfaces, store knives and hot pots safely, and ensure you have a secure trash bin.
The bathroom is a storage space for household chemicals, cosmetics, and medicines. We recommend keeping everything in cabinets with locks and not leaving towels, sponges, or cosmetic bags within reach.
The balcony is dangerous because there is always a risk of falling or getting stuck between railings. Install a safety net or barrier on the balcony and make sure there are no chairs or other objects near the railing that the dog could climb on.
Stairs can pose a risk to your dog’s health due to the possibility of slipping and falling. It’s best to install a gate at the top or bottom of the stairs and place rugs or anti-slip pads to prevent slipping during ascent and descent.
The children’s room is a paradise for dogs. There are so many bright toys, objects, sweets, and stationery – it’s overwhelming. For this reason, we recommend completely restricting access to this room and playing together in a neutral space free of small or fragile items.
Using Barriers and Gates
The easiest way to block a dog’s access to unwanted areas is to use special barriers. They come in different types, and the choice depends on your pet’s needs and your home’s layout.
Fixed gates are a great option for owners of large dogs that can easily knock over lightweight barriers. They are ideal for long-term use as they have a stable structure and do not move.
Portable barriers are recommended for puppy or small dog owners who do not want to install permanent structures. These barriers are lightweight, often made of plastic or metal, and are perfect for training dogs to follow new rules.
Expandable barriers are a good solution for temporary control of a dog’s movements since they can be used in different areas of the house. They are easy to remove, install, and adjust in width to fit various doorways.
Stair barriers are a must-have for owners of small dogs, senior dogs, and puppies who may fall.
Outdoor gates are essential for the safety of dogs that love spending time in the yard.
There are many options, but all barriers should be free of sharp edges or small parts that a dog could swallow.
So, which one should you choose? First, consider your dog’s size. If you have a large breed, the barrier should be strong and tall. Material also matters—metal is the most durable, while plastic is lightweight. Think about where you want to place the barrier and whether you need multiple ones for different rooms. And, of course, make sure it is convenient for you to use.
Conclusion
Your home can be cozy and comfortable for all its inhabitants if you take care of safety in advance. Follow the tips in this article, and your dog will be healthy and happy, while your home remains intact.
